Concerns on water park go beyond funding

“We understand what they want, and we’re pretty darn sure we can meet it,” he said.

The revised proposal will also focus on the economic benefits of the park, including additional hotel taxes and a sales tax boost from concessions, and more customers at local restaurants and gas stations.

The park, which would be called Hawaiian Falls, would also create about 300 jobs for teens and give local children an option for play and exercise, he said.

It would feature wave pools, water slides and geysers during warm months. It would have climbing walls, rope courses and 70-foot-tall zip lines in colder months.

The revised proposal will also include Harvest taking over some city recreational facilities in Kit Carson Park, including the Escondido Sports Center.

City officials requested that because those facilities have continued to lose money.

City officials said another hurdle faced by the park is environmental approvals. The proposed site includes some habitat areas that have been designated as open space, and creeks and ponds are nearby.